Dover, DE — JL Cruze returned to his winning ways with a 1:55 score in Tuesday night’s (Jan. 3) $18,000 Winners Over/Select Handicap Trot at Bally’s Dover.
Art Stafford Jr. was on a mission with the 12-year-old Crazed gelding from the start, and the pair rocketed from the gate to secure the pocket behind Northern Express before rushing to the lead past the :26.3 quarter. Under a full head of steam, JL Cruze passed the half before facing a challenge from Embrace The Grind at three-quarters in 1:24.4. Sent the 5-2 public choice, JL Cruze did not disappoint, dominating to win by two lengths for trainer Eric Ell and owners Ken Wood, Bill Dittmar Jr. and Stephen Iaquinta.
Northern Express (driven by Russell Foster) finished second; Embrace The Grind (Montrell Teague) was third.
Stafford and Foster earned three driving wins apiece on the 14-race card.
Majorca N takes on Incaseyoudidntknow in the $25,000 Mares Open Handicap Pace at Bally’s Dover on Wednesday (Jan. 4). First post is 4:30 p.m.